The Polaris Dawn mission crew is attempting a historic and risky spacewalk starting at 3:23 a.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 [1].
This event marks a significant shift in space exploration by moving extravehicular activities (EVAs) from government-led programs to commercial crews. The mission tests the capabilities of private astronauts to operate outside a spacecraft, potentially expanding the reach of human activity in orbit.
SpaceX is broadcasting the event via a live webcast on X @SpaceX and the X TV app [1]. The crew is operating within a specific timeline to execute the maneuver. Business Insider said, "The four-hour window opens at 3:23 a.m. ET" [1].
The spacewalk is scheduled to last four hours [2]. Because of the inherent risks involved in the operation, the mission profile includes a backup opportunity. If the crew cannot complete the objective on Thursday, they may attempt the spacewalk again on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 [1].
The Polaris Dawn mission utilizes a Crew Dragon spacecraft to transport its commercial crew into space. The EVA is one of several high-stakes goals for the mission, which seeks to push the boundaries of commercial spaceflight. The operation requires precise coordination between the astronauts and ground control to ensure safety during the exit and re-entry into the capsule.
Observers are monitoring the live stream to see if the commercial crew can successfully navigate the vacuum of space without the traditional support systems provided by the International Space Station. The success of this maneuver would validate the design of the new suits, and the training protocols developed by SpaceX for private citizens.
“The spacewalk is scheduled to last four hours.”
The successful completion of a private spacewalk would break the long-standing monopoly that national space agencies have held over EVAs. By demonstrating that commercial crews can safely exit a spacecraft, SpaceX is paving the way for private orbital infrastructure and commercial space stations, reducing the reliance on government-funded programs for deep-space exploration.
